Inside Hotel Preko: Hilton’s New Island Retreat Near Zadar

If you’re looking for a winter getaway in Croatia that feels calm, beautiful, and a little unexpected, let me introduce you to Ugljan.

I honestly can’t believe it took me so long to visit, but now that I’ve been, I totally get why locals love it. The island sits right across from Zadar, it’s incredibly easy to reach, and even in winter it has this calm, sunny, soul-soothing vibe that makes you slow down whether you planned to or not.

On my recent visit, I stayed at the brand-new Hotel Preko, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, and it completely blew me away. Stylish, relaxing, friendly, and beautifully connected to the local community.

It’s rare to find this level of comfort on a Croatian island, especially one that’s so easy to reach!

So if you’re craving a cozy island getaway that feels both refined and authentic, Ugljan is such a good pick.

How to Get to Ugljan

Getting to Ugljan from Zadar couldn’t be easier. The ferry runs frequently all day long, and the ride is only about 20 minutes. It’s a car ferry as well, which makes it perfect if you’re renting a car or road-tripping along the coast.

You can easily turn this into an extension of your stay in Zadar. Hop over for a night or two, explore the island at your own pace, and enjoy a quieter, more local side of Croatia.

Winter on Croatia’s coast is honestly underrated. You often get sunny, mild days, everything feels calmer, and the whole experience becomes rest for the mind, body, and soul.

Hotel Preko: A New Hilton Gem on the Island

As your ferry pulls into Preko, you can’t miss Hotel Preko. It sits right on the riva, front and center, like it was always meant to be there. The property is modern, elegant, and warm in a way that makes you feel at ease immediately.

The terrace is a dream, especially in winter when it transforms into a cozy winter garden that instantly draws locals in. People come here for coffee, brunch at Terra, or a relaxed business lunch with uninterrupted sea views. The atmosphere fits the island perfectly.

Inside, you’ll find 65 beautifully designed rooms with calming colors, soft textures, and lots of storage. Everything feels high-quality but still welcoming. The staff is wonderful too: warm, genuine, and ready to help without ever hovering.

And then there’s the wellness area, which was my favorite place. The heated indoor pool and sauna connect to small outdoor green courtyards, and thanks to movable glass walls you can easily slip outside for fresh air. The blend of nature and modern design is so soothing, especially when you’re here in winter.

The hotel is open all year, which makes it an amazing option for off-season travel. It’s the perfect combination of Hilton comfort mixed with Mediterranean charm.

Food That Celebrates the Island

One thing I absolutely loved about Hotel Preko is how deeply rooted its culinary philosophy is in local flavors. This isn’t generic hotel food. The chefs work with fishermen and island producers to bring the freshest ingredients straight to your plate.

Their signature dish is bluefin tuna, caught in the channel between Ugljan and Pašman. You can enjoy it classic or modern, or even as part of their in-house sushi menu.

And yes, they actually prepare sushi daily, using Adriatic tuna, and it’s become such a hit that the kitchen jokes about “rolling all day long.”

Other favorites include fresh sea bass, Adriatic squid, roasted tomato soup, monkfish with polenta, and lemon cream made with citrus grown on the island.

Vegetables come from the hotel’s own garden, olive oil is local, and the vinegars, including fig and marasca cherry aceto, are sourced from OPG Matulić on Pašman. They also create incredible salts and natural cosmetics, so it’s no surprise many of their products show up throughout the hotel.

Local tip: OPG Matulić products make great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home! I picked up a bottle of their fig aceto.

At the heart of it all is Terra Restaurant, open to both hotel guests and locals. The mix of island faces and travelers gives it such a warm, friendly atmosphere. Their Sunday buffet lunch is also a popular tradition and a great value for the quality.

What to Do on Ugljan in Winter

One thing I really appreciated about Hotel Preko is how intentional they are about connecting guests with the island instead of keeping everyone inside the hotel bubble. From the moment it opened, the focus has been on giving visitors a real feel for Ugljan and everything that makes it special.

Wander around Preko

Start with a slow wander around Preko. It’s a charming little town with centuries of stories tucked into its streets.

Historically, wealthy nobles from Zadar built their summer houses here, choosing Ugljan as their private escape long before it appeared on modern travel radars.

You’ll also hear old tales about how women used to carry water through the village, and how the men eventually routed it through pipes so the whole town could access it. It’s one of those places where history feels alive in a gentle, everyday way.

Visit the islets Galevac and Školjić

From the hotel terrace you can see two small islets, Galevac and Školjić. They’re just a short ride away, and one of my absolute favorite ways to explore them is by taking the Hilton guest boat, which operates for hotel visitors.

Galevac especially is incredibly peaceful, covered in greenery and perfect for a short walk when you want to disconnect.

Hike to the Mihovil viewpoint

If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, hike up to the Mihovil viewpoint, the highest point on the island, for ridiculous panoramic views.

Cycle across the bridge to Pašman

Or rent a bike and ride across the bridge that connects Ugljan to Pašman. It’s an easy, scenic ride and a fun way to explore more than one island in a single afternoon.

Once you cross over, you can visit Ana and Krste Matulić, the sweetest couple behind OPG Matulić. They’re known for their award-winning fig and marasca cherry aceto, handcrafted salts, and natural cosmetics.

You can join one of their workshops to learn more about how they make everything. It’s such a lovely, authentic experience and a highlight of any trip to this part of Croatia.

Try a Janzu session at the hotel

Back at the hotel, one of the more unique things you can try is the Janzu method, offered exclusively at Hotel Preko by practitioner Alice Mazo, who moved from France to the nearby town of Tkon.

The treatment takes place in the warm pool, using gentle, flowing movements that help your body drift into a weightless, deeply relaxing state. It clears your mind in a way that’s hard to put into words until you feel it for yourself.

Relax at the hotel

Between the wellness area, the cozy winter garden, the great food, and all the little island experiences right at your fingertips, Hotel Preko makes Ugljan an easy choice for a relaxing winter escape. It’s the kind of place where you can explore if you want to, rest if you need to, and leave feeling like you’ve genuinely connected with the islands.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that offers a little luxury, a lot of calm, and plenty of local charm, Ugljan is such a lovely choice.

The ferry ride is quick, the scenery is beautiful, and Hotel Preko ties everything together with thoughtful design, warm service, and a real connection to the island.

It’s one of those places where you arrive, exhale, and instantly start feeling like yourself again.